Historic Election of Pope Leo XIV Marks New Chapter for the Catholic Church
A cloud of white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney on Wednesday, signaling the election of a new pope after the cardinals concluded their secret conclave, marking a historic moment for the Catholic Church.
Robert Prevost, now known as Pope Leo XIV, has stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, ready to address the world.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, 69, from Chicago, Illinois, has been elected as the 267th pope, becoming the first-ever pope from the United States. His papal name is Leo XIV.
A seasoned leader with global experience, Prevost spent much of his career as a missionary in South America and most recently headed the influential Vatican office for bishop appointments. He is expected to continue and expand upon the reforms initiated by Pope Francis.
Prevost’s journey includes a decade of missionary work in Trujillo, Peru, and a subsequent role as bishop of Chiclayo from 2014 to 2023. He has held Peruvian citizenship since 2015 and holds a Peruvian passport.
In an interview after being appointed head of the Dicastery for Bishops, Prevost shared: “I still consider myself a missionary. My vocation, like that of every Christian, is to be a missionary, to proclaim the Gospel wherever one is.”
As tens of thousands gather in St. Peter’s Square, the crowd waves flags from across the globe, including those from Italy, Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, the Philippines, and Poland, among others.
The world’s eyes are now on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica as Pope Leo XIV prepares to address the faithful and embark on his new papacy.
